Synergistic Effect of Hybrid Montmorillonite-reduced Graphene Oxide as Dual Filler for Improving the Mechanical Properties of PVA Composites by a One-step Procedure

In this study, physical, mechanical, thermal, fire and biological properties of thermoplastic composites filled with fire retardant and tea mill waste fiber were investigated. The composites produced with the extrusion method were accomplished by using tea mill waste fiber as lignocellulosic materials and high-density polyethylene and polypropylene as thermoplastic polymer. Aluminum trihydrate and zinc borate were incorporated with different contents into polymer matrix for improving fire properties of the composites, and their effects on technological properties of the composites were evaluated. Aluminum trihydrate had a positive effect on the tensile modulus of the composites whilst zinc borate had adverse effect on that of the composites. The strength properties of the composites slightly decreased with usage of fire retardant. In the light of obtained results, it was specified that use of fire retardants improved physical, biological, thermal and fire properties of tea mill waste fiber-filled thermoplastic composites.

Improved mechanical properties of carbon fiber/graphene oxide-epoxy hybrid composites

In this study, three types of amine-functionalized graphene oxide (f-GO) have been synthesized and their polyurethane (PU) composites have been fabricated. Mechanical properties and the anticorrosion performance of as-prepared composites were thoroughly investigated. The amine groups (two aliphatic groups and one aromatic group) on GO influenced the dispersion of the fillers and the properties of the composites. Among the f-GO series, GO functionalized with 2-naphthyl amine (2NA-GO) indicated higher mechanical properties and corrosion resistance than other PU composites. Specifically, the incorporation of 0.5 wt % of 2NA-GO in the PU matrix showed a 2.2 times higher tensile modulus than the neat PU and the highest protection efficiency of 99.94%. This synergetic effect of 2NA-GO was due to the aromatic structure and relatively low molecular weight of 2NA. The aromatic structure developed π–π interfacial interactions between the amine group and phenyl groups of the hard segments in the PU backbone. Furthermore, the lower molecular weight contributed to the uniform dispersion of the filler. Based on the results, molecular structure and molecular weight could be a critical factor in designing the f-GO to improve the mechanical and corrosion properties of PU composites. Additionally, this fact can be contributed to PU industries, which require a high anticorrosion performance as well as enhanced mechanical properties.

Biobased plasticizer and cellulose nanocrystals improve mechanical properties of polylactic acid composites

The above paper presents the assumptions and results of the research whose aim was to determine the influence of 2024, 6061 and 7075 aluminum alloys on the final properties of GLARE-type composites. GLARE 3 2/1 type composites, made of two layers of the epoxy prepreg, reinforced with unidirectional glass fibers, arranged in the direction of 0°/90°, and two sheets of aluminum with a thickness of 0.4 mm, were investigated. Composites of various stacking configurations of alloy layers, made of one type of aluminum alloy (so-called ‘homogeneous composites’), and two different alloys (mixed composites), were analyzed. The properties of the composites were evaluated with the use of the mixing rule and compared with the test results. The influence of the used aluminum alloys on mechanical properties of GLARE-type composites has been determined. GLARE-type composite made of 7075 alloy sheets had the most favorable mechanical properties in comparison to properties of composites with 2024 and 6061 sheets. It has been shown how the properties of GLARE-type composites depend on the type of the aluminum alloy. It has been also proved that the properties of GLARE-type composites can be evaluated with the use of the mixing rule.

A multilayered composite structure formed by a random stacking of graphene oxide (GO) platelets is an attractive candidate for novel applications in nanoelectromechanical systems and paper-like composites. We employ molecular dynamics simulations with reactive force fields to elucidate the structural and mechanical properties of GO paper-like materials. We find that the large-scale properties of these composites are controlled by hydrogen bond networks that involve functional groups on individual GO platelets and water molecules within the interlayer cavities. Water content controls both the extent and collective strength of these interlayer hydrogen bond networks, thereby affecting the interlayer spacing and elastic moduli of the composite. Additionally, the chemical composition of the individual GO platelets also plays a critical role in establishing the mechanical properties of the composite--a higher density of functional groups leads to increased hydrogen bonding and a corresponding increase in stiffness. Our studies suggest the possibility of tuning the properties of GO composites by altering the density of functional groups on individual platelets, the water content, and possibly the functional groups participating in hydrogen bonding with interlayer water molecules.

A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) based nanocomposite using fully exfoliated graphene oxide (GO) sheets and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were prepared via a simple procedure. It is confirmed from optical imaging that dispersion of CNTs in the PVA matrix can be significantly improved by adding GO sheets. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations suggest that the GO–CNT interaction is strong and the complex is thermodynamically favorable over agglomerates of CNTs. The GO–CNT scroll-like structure formed with the hydrophilic outer surface of GO can be well dispersed in water. More important, a synergistic effect arises from the combination of CNT and GO, the GO–CNT/PVA composite films show superior mechanical properties compared to PVA composite films enhanced by GO or CNT alone, not only the tensile strength and Young's modulus of the composites are significantly improved, but most of the ductility is also retained. The enhanced mechanical properties of the GO–CNT/PVA composite film can be attributed to the fully exploited reinforcement effect from GO and CNT via good dispersion.

ABSTRACTHomogeneous dispersion and strong filler–matrix interfacial interactions were vital factors for graphene for enhancing the properties of polymer composites. To improve the dispersion of graphene in the polymer matrix and enhance the interfacial interactions, graphene oxide (GO), as an important precursor of graphene, was functionalized with amine‐terminated poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG–NH2) to prepare GO–poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG). Then, GO–PEG was further reduced to prepare modified reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–PEG with N2H4·H2O. The success of the modification was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and Raman spectroscopy. Different loadings of rGO–PEG were introduced into polyimide (PI) to produce composites via in situ polymerization and a thermal reduction process. The modification of PEG–NH2 on the surface of rGO inhibited its reaggregation and improved the filler–matrix interfacial interactions. The properties of the composites were enhanced by the incorporation of rGO–PEG. With the addition of 1.0 wt % rGO–PEG, the tensile strength of PI increased by 81.5%, and the electrical conductivity increased by eight orders of magnitude. This significant improvement was attributed to the homogeneous dispersion of rGO–PEG and its strong filler–matrix interfacial interactions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45119.

To fabricate homogeneous bamboo fiber reinforced thermoplastic composites, polypropylene (PP) fiber and 3-aminpropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) modified bamboo fibers were first formed into mats by non-woven air paving technology, and then the composites were created by hot-pressing the mats. The modification of BFs was characterized by XPS and FTIR analyses, and the results confirmed that APTES had been grafted onto the surfaces of BFs. The effects of concentrations of APTES on the mechanical, physical, morphological, and thermal properties of the bamboo-polypropylene composites were examined by tests of bending strength, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and water absorption. The analysis of physical and mechanical properties revealed improved mechanical properties and water resistance (3 wt% of APTES). SEM images were used to assess the influence of modification treatment on the properties of the composites. The results confirmed that the modification of APTES improved the interfacial adhesion between BFs and PP matrix. DSC results indicated the melting point of composites decreased with an increase in concentration of APTES up to 3 wt%, while the melting point of composites increased when the concentration of APTES was higher than 3 wt%.

Polymer hybrid composites and hybrid polymer composites are distinct but interconnected composite classes, each with unique compositions and design philosophies. The mechanical properties of these composites are vital in advanced materials due to their impacts on performance, durability, and suitability for various applications. The addition of ionic liquids into these composites is a promising innovation in advanced materials. In this short review, various polymer matrices (e.g., thermosets, thermoplastics, and biopolymers), fillers (e.g., inorganic, carbon, organic, and metal), and ionic liquids (e.g., imidazolium- and phosphonium-based) used to fabricate polymer hybrid composites and hybrid polymer composites with added ionic liquids are identified. Furthermore, the addition of ionic liquids into these composites through different methods (e.g., magnetic stirring, mechanical stirring, solid grinding, etc.) is discussed. The influence of ionic liquid addition on the mechanical properties, specifically the tensile properties of these composites, is also shortly reviewed. The changes in the tensile properties, such as the tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break, of these composites are explained as well. The information presented in this review enhances the understanding of the methods applied to add ionic liquids into polymer hybrid composites and hybrid polymer composites, along with their tensile properties. In short, some ionic liquids have the capacity to enhance the tensile properties of hybrid polymer composites, and several ionic liquids can reduce the tensile properties of polymer hybrid composites.

The aim of this study is to broaden the potential applications of polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) by incorporating graphene oxide (GO)‐grafted glass fiber (GF) to enhance the mechanical properties of liquid crystal polymer (LCP)/PPS composites. The surface of GF was modified using γ‐Aminopropyltriethoxysilane (KH550), allowing for the grafting of GO. Subsequently, GO‐GF/LCP/PPS composites were prepared through extrusion injection molding. The properties of the composites were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. The findings indicate that the interfacial adhesion between GF and composites is significantly improved with the addition of GO, The mass fractions of GO used were 0.1%, 0.5%, and 0.7%. The incorporation of GO‐grafted GF proves to be an effective approach in enhancing the tensile and flexural strengths of LCP/PPS composites. Additionally, a reduction in wear volume and tribological coefficient is observed compared to composites without GO‐treated GF. Notably, when the GO content is 0.5 wt%, the mechanical properties of the composites show significant improvement, with a 50% increase in impact strength compared to the composite without GO, and a decrease in friction coefficient from 0.28 to 0.22.

In the present work, high density polyethylene based composites filled with glass spheres, talc and calcite particles were prepared. Fillers contents in the HDPE were 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%. The mechanical, morphological and tribological properties of the polymer composites were investigated. Substantial improvements in the some mechanical properties were obtained by the addition of filler. For example, the results showed that the elasticity modulus of composites improved with increasing the filler content. The addition of fillers to the HDPE changed significantly the friction coefficient and wear rate of the composites. HDPE filled with a high level content of fillers showed higher wear rate than pure HDPE under dry sliding. The structure and properties of the composites are characterized using a scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

The aim of this work was to improve the mechanical and water barrier properties of composite films prepared from starch and clays, plasticized with glycerol at different concentrations. The effects of hydrophilic Closite Na+ and Nanomer PGV were compared with that exerted by organically modified more hydrophobic Nanofil 2 and NanoBent ZR‐1. The antimicrobial activity of composites containing hydrophobic clays was also investigated. The hydrophilic Nanomer PGV at concentrations of 5–10% increased the tensile strength (TS) of unplasticized composites, but starch‐Closite Na+ composites were too brittle to measure their mechanical properties. The hydrophobic clays did not improve the mechanical properties of the unplasticized composites. In the presence of glycerol at concentrations of 20–30%, TS of composites containing hydrophilic clays and even hydrophobic NanoBent ZR‐1 increased in comparison to plasticized films without clay. None of the clays improved the water barrier properties of the unplasticized composites, while in the plasticized composites all the clays decreased the water vapor permeability to an extent dependent on the kind and concentration of clay and glycerol concentration. Starch‐NanoBentZR‐1 composite showed very high activity against gram‐positive Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria innocua. Starch‐Nanofil 2 composites were characterized by smaller activity. Neither composite showed any antimicrobial activity, or their activity against gram‐negative bacteria was low.

This work deals with the effect of adding GO on the mechanical properties of fly ash-based geopolymer-GO composites. Compressive strength, water absorption, density, and flexural strength tests were carried out to investigate mechanical and physical properties of fly ash-based geopolymer-GO composites. The results showed that the addition of graphene oxide into fly ash-based geopolymer-GO composites up to threshold value (i.e., in this study, 1 gram or 1.1 wt.%) will decrease total porosity as well as a change in the total quantity of pores and their distribution due to densification of bulk matrix of the specimens. Consequently, it reduced water absorption, increased the density of the specimens, and subsequently increased mechanical properties (i.e., compressive strength and flexural strength). Conversely, the addition of graphene oxide into fly ash-based geopolymer-GO composites greater than above the threshold value will increase total porosity due to coarsening of bulk matrix of the specimens and subsequently increased water absorption and reduced density of the material. As a result, it decreased the mechanical properties (i.e., compressive strength and flexural strength) of fly ash-based geopolymer-GO composites. The present research demonstrates how graphene oxide can improve the mechanical properties of fly ash-based geopolymer-GO composites to a certain extent, which may match with industrial applications.

Wollastonite has a huge potential to be utilized as a functional filler in the thermoplastic composites, providing an enhancement to the mechanical strength, as well as thermal stability and flame retardancy, thus replacing the other conventional fillers such as glass fibre and talc. Due to the reinforcing ability and good thermal stability of wollastonite, the wollastonite-filled polymer composites have attracted the attention of academicians and industrialists. Many studies are reported on the effect of wollastonite incorporation into the polymers, in the aspect of mechanical, thermal, and flammability properties, meanwhile exploring the potential of wollastonite usage in the desired applications. This review article will be focusing on the thermal and flammability properties of wollastonite-filled thermoplastic composites. The popular thermoplastics used as the matrix are polypropylene, polylactic acid, and poly(ethylene terephthalate). Studies on flammability properties of wollastonite-filled thermoplastic composites are relatively less compared to thermal properties. Generally, the properties of the composites are influenced by the wollastonite dispersion, loading, size and shape of wollastonite, and its interfacial adhesion with the polymer matrix. Most of the previous studies focused on thermoplastic filled natural micro-sized wollastonite composites. Thus, the effect of nano-sized synthetic wollastonite as a functional filler in polymers is worth investigating. Further research on hybrid wollastonite/nanofillers is also interesting to develop high-performance materials to meet the requirements of society and industries.